It’s hard to describe the moment when I realized my wife had a drinking problem. At first, I wanted to believe it was just a rough patch or stress from work, but slowly, the signs became impossible to ignore. Living in Fresno, I knew we had resources nearby, but admitting that we needed help felt like a huge step. I wasn’t just worried about her; I was worried about us. My wife with a drinking problem in Fresno felt like a weight we were both carrying, and we didn’t know how to put it down.
Recognizing the Problem
It wasn’t an overnight change. Over time, my wife started to act differently. She was more distant, tired, and short-tempered. Little things we used to enjoy together, like dinner with friends, were becoming tense. One night, I found her alone in the kitchen, finishing a bottle of wine by herself, and something clicked. This wasn’t normal anymore. I felt scared, but also determined. I knew something had to change, and we needed help.
Taking the First Step: Reaching Out for Help
The first step was admitting we couldn’t handle this alone. I started researching “AA meetings near me” and found out that there were several options right here in Fresno. It wasn’t easy convincing my wife at first—there’s a lot of fear and shame tied up in admitting that alcohol has become a problem. But eventually, we agreed to try an AA meeting. That first step felt like a massive weight off our shoulders, even though we had a long road ahead.
The Role of AA Meetings in Her Recovery
I’ll never forget my wife’s first AA meeting. She was anxious, and to be honest, so was I. But the people there welcomed her like family. The support was real, and she didn’t feel alone anymore. The structure of the 12 steps of AA helped her understand that this wasn’t about blaming herself; it was about taking responsibility and working toward healing. As she attended more meetings, she began to feel more hopeful about the future. AA gave her a lifeline, and for me, just knowing she had this community meant the world. I also started looking for support meetings myself, as well as “therapists near me” to help me navigate the emotional toll it was taking on both of us.
The Ups and Downs of Recovery
Recovery is never a straight line. There were days when things felt good, and then there were times when the struggle returned, sometimes stronger than before. We talked about whether she should enter a halfway house at one point when the temptation to drink was too much. But we decided to stick with the AA meetings and therapy for the time being. The sobriety calculator we found online became a tool to help mark her progress, each sober day serving as a small victory.
I won’t pretend it was easy. Some days, I was angry and frustrated, and so was she. But every time she went to an AA meeting, every time she shared her story, it seemed to get just a little bit better. The support we found here in Fresno, both from AA and the broader community, kept us moving forward.
Finding Hope in Healing
As time passed, things started to change. My wife became more open and communicative, and we learned to face the challenges together. She started to believe in herself again, and I started to see the person I fell in love with coming back. AA didn’t just help her stay sober—it gave her the tools to understand why she turned to alcohol in the first place and how to avoid going back.
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is that recovery doesn’t happen alone. The people we met at AA meetings, the therapists we worked with, and the community we leaned on have all played a role in getting us here. If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone facing a similar situation, it’s this: don’t wait. Look up AA meetings near you, reach out to a support group, and remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
Disclaimer: This post was submitted anonymously by someone who wished to share their story while protecting the privacy of those involved.
Message from the authors at aa-meetings.com:
We thank the author for their courage in sharing their story. If you or a loved one is facing alcohol addiction, please reach out. You can find local AA meetings near you using our website. Remember, there’s always hope and support available.